October

[madamesilverspurs]

There were about twenty of them, some huddled in blankets against the cold, some curled up in sleeping bags. They'd been out there all night and even the hardiest among them showed signs of weariness and chill. They weren't homeless, they had chosen to be there; and I frankly envied the physical sturdiness that allowed them to so exercise their devotion to their purpose. In a few minutes their frigid vigil would be over as the store would open its doors and allow them in to purchase the newest electronic game. A few steps down the sidewalk an old station wagon had pulled up to the curb. Its elderly owners were unloading a dozen frozen turkeys, handing them over to the volunteers staffing a donation table for the food bank.

That was a couple of Octobers ago, and I'm still struck by the powerful contrast. Today I'll be heading downtown to take cocoa and cookies to our snow-covered Occupy-ers. I'm so very thankful for their willingness and strength and determination to stand up and sit in for all of us. Next week, when my check gets here, the food bank will get a donation. Toys are fine, but people matter.

Just sayin'.